Determining the Value of Magic Cards: Tips for Selling

Determining the Value of Magic Cards – General Inspection of the Cards

Before you even think about selling, you should perform a general inspection of the Magic cards to assess their condition. Even at this stage, there are various criteria that can give you an idea of the expected selling price. 

• Generally speaking, it should come as no surprise that cards in better condition fetch higher prices. However, many people don’t think to inspect the card thoroughly for defects. 
• Not only should the front of the card—that is, the image and text—be examined for scratches, discoloration, and other signs of wear —but the corners of the cards and the back should also be inspected. Even the tiniest scratches or blemishes found there can affect the price. 
• Likewise, manufacturing defects such as poor print quality and print lines affect the price.
• It often happens that you’re browsing the internet and read about high selling prices for Magic cards. However, these are often very rare cards that meet specific criteria. What’s most relevant to you is whether your cards are so-called reprints —that is, cards that are reprints of a card from an older set, which were reprinted for a more recent card set. 
• As a rule, the language on the card or the territory for which the set was produced also affects the price. Cards with German text, for example, are generally worth less than cards with English text. 
• If you believe your cards are in particularly good condition, it’s worth using the services of so-called grading companies such as PSA or Beckett. These companies examine your cards very closely for any flaws and assign them a grade. To do this, the card is inserted into a hard plastic sleeve, on which the grade is then displayed. 
• If you’ve had your cards officially graded by PSA or Beckett, it’s also easier to determine a price.

Determining the Value of Magic Cards—How to Sell Your Collection

Especially as a novice, it’s important to use the right service for selling Magic cards so you don’t get scammed and lose your valuable collection. 

• For most people, the eBay marketplace is the first thing that comes to mind. However, if you have little to no experience selling cards—or generally don’t sell much on eBay—you should be very cautious. In many cases, eBay sides with the buyer when disputes arise, and without proper safeguards on your part, you make it easy for scammers to steal your cards. 
• Platforms like TCGPlayer and Cardmarket specialize in the sale of trading cards and allow anyone to list their own cards there. The advantage is that these services let you reach the right target audience directly, and since the sites specialize in trading cards, the process of listing cards is more intuitive than if you were selling them on eBay. 
• Another advantage of these two platforms is that you can search for the cards you plan to sell in advance and use the prices listed by other sellers to determine your own selling price. 
• If you want to keep the effort to a minimum, you can also visit your local trading card or hobby shop. These shops often buy cards from private collections. The advantage here is that you can speak directly with the person and negotiate without delay.